Everyone raves about how Paris, Rome, and Tokyo are the places when it comes to food, but there are cities that can offer the same quality of food too.

A lot of people will tell you that Rome, Tokyo, and Paris is where you should go for good food, but what about the cities that have great food? A lot of other cities offer delicious cuisine but are unknown for reasons such as misconceptions, lack of global knowledge, and the small diaspora. Here are the world’s most underrated food places that you should try sometime.

Most Underrated Countries Every Foodie Must Visit At Least Once in Their Lifetime

Philippines

A lot of people are aware of how good Asian cuisine is, but the Philippines hasn’t made a big impact on the world, which is why we’re trying to give it a little more recognition.

Vietnam

Anyone that knows about pho knows that Vietnam has a lot to offer when it comes to the flavor profile. From the sourness of the lime to their spicy chili garlic, you’re sure to enjoy some banh mi from time to time.

Mexico

Everyone loves Hispanic cuisine; tamales and Taco Bell are some things people enjoy, but people fail to realize that there are more flavors to try when it comes to Mexican food.

Croatia

Croatia has some interesting flavors. If you’re looking to eat rice meals but make it like pasta, then Croatia is where you should try their recipes.

Thailand

Thailand is a great country to visit, it’s also very adventurous because you can eat fried bugs here if you’re not too afraid of creepy crawlies.

Australia

Everyone worries about having to eat vegemite, but it is something to try at least once in your lifetime. The land under has a lot of interesting cuisines if you’re tired of the usual fast food combinations.

Jamaica

Jerk meals are all the rage when it comes to Jamaican cuisine, and that’s because it comes from them. One of the most common jerk meals that are served around the world is jerk chicken, and you can replicate this on your own because of all the available recipes.

Norway

If you’re a fan of cheese and lamb meals, then you’ll enjoy dishes from Norway. It’s easy to find a lot of recipes to enjoy. Norway is known to have brunost, otherwise known as brown cheese. Norway is also known for strange meat combinations, so you can try it if you’re looking to try new viands.

We know that there are lots of interesting food choices in infamous places, but it’s always good to know about undiscovered food places that you should visit. We hope you try out some of these places and let us know which food profiles you’re looking for and which ones you are willing to try out in your kitchen. 

Sometimes you can find hidden gems, and you’ll see that these meals are more fun than your usual food choices. 

More shoppers are looking to buy local products and support companies that align with their values, like Black Lives Matter and other movements.

A lot of small businesses got hurt when the coronavirus pandemic hit. The death of George Floyd has shed more light on racial inequality, and the result is that almost 60% of consumers are highly likely to shop in local stores or neighborhood shops for the holiday season. 

Many US consumers have responded to a survey saying that they are looking to buy locally sourced items this year, and some are looking to support companies that align with their values, as well. 

4 out of 10 respondents say that they’re looking to shop from minority-owned stores, and the same amount says that they support retailers that reinforce the Black Live Matter movement.

The pandemic has brought about difficult times for everyone, which is why most consumers are ensuring that the companies they buy from work hard to create a world where they want people to live. 

According to Aurora James, spending a dollar somewhere is voting for that item to keep existing, and in this pandemic world, a lot of companies aren’t going to be able to survive anymore, which is why every dollar spent really matters.

Major companies have taken notes and are now supporting small businesses by carrying their products in their store. Lowe’s has started a pitching contest to look for entrepreneurs who stand out and also provided millions of dollars for grants to minority-led businesses and small shops. 

James, a Brooklyn-based business owner, says that the pandemic has pushed consumers’ desire to shop local, whether through a major retailer holding products from a local shop or through a mom-and-pop store.

Most holiday shoppers want to give gifts that make them feel good about buying it because they know that they supported a small business and because they chose a gift that is appropriate for the person receiving it. 

Now, James is pushing big companies to assist Black-owned businesses because she was upset by the disruption of the pandemic towards these businesses. Aurora James pitched that major companies pitch at least 15% of their shelves for small businesses. 

Since the start of that petition, some companies like Sephora, Macy’s, and Rent The Runway have joined the pledge.

The support of consumers towards small businesses will decide if these stores can keep their business alive. 

Some shoppers have decided that they will shop from local businesses on Saturday, which people are now calling Small Business Saturday. This shopping event was pitched by American Express and was created to encourage shoppers to buy from their communities. 

Knowing how corporate America turns a blind eye towards some of these small businesses, but being sustainable and equitable is really good for businesses, and they’re still the right thing to do. 

So when you go shopping for your Christmas gifts, we hope you consider buying from local minority-owned businesses. 

All’s fair in love and war even during the Covid-19 pandemic. While celebrations and gatherings are growing smaller and smaller as crowd control and social distancing measures become stricter, love still blooms against the struggles that the pandemic is causing.

Even when the world froze with the Covid-19 pandemic, love continues to bloom. This is apparent with the sales in bridal gowns such as that of David’s Bridal, where sales are the same as that of last year. Even if wedding ceremonies are growing smaller with intimate wedding ceremonies, the need for brides to buy a wedding gown is still largely present. Even if the wedding gets postponed, they are still pursuing wedding ceremonies, albeit on a smaller scale.

David’s Bridal Turns It Around

Like any other industry, David’s Bridal was not exempt from the financial onslaught of the ongoing pandemic as it shut down stores, especially during the initial onset of the pandemic. However, with everything going digital, David Bridal decided to turn it around and adapt to the new times by investing in online marketing strategies and started using social media to generate more sales. With its new management, Oaktree Capital Group, they were able to shut down any whisper of bankruptcy and reduced its debt load by more than $400 million!

Going Digital

With everyone using the power of technology, bridal boutiques such as David Bridal decided to go digital to cater to a wider audience. It began offering virtual consultations with their stylists so brides can discuss their dream wedding gown in the confines of their homes. Their app also includes an augmented reality feature so the bride can see up close the type of fabric and beadwork and choose according to their personality and style.

Adapting to the Bride’s Taste

When you hear wedding bells, you will envision a blushing bride in a long white gown. And while that may be true in a more traditional sense, David Bridal recognizes that brides nowadays have to change tastes, and they included a more comprehensive portfolio when it comes to the styles of their wedding dresses. They included little white dresses, jumpsuits, and even separates that will be better suited for an intimate wedding ceremony. Aside from accommodating a more comprehensive portfolio of wedding gown styles, bridal accessories sales are also going through the roof with one very important addition—the face mask, which is usually done in the fabric of the wedding gown to match the bride’s outfit.

Resilient Revenue Growth for the Bridal Industry

In a recent survey by Moody’s Investor Services, results show that brides are spending at an average of $600 per gown—which is the same as what they are usually spending in the past few years, prior to the pandemic. Though sales for prom dresses have significantly lessened, the increase in wedding gown sales, bridesmaid dresses, accessories, and other dresses have grown significantly even with the ongoing pandemic.

Loyalty Program

With the thriving market in the wedding industry, David Bridal is seizing the moment and setting up a loyalty program of either spending more or recommending other clients to choose David Bridal for all their bridal needs. What’s at stake? It can go from a free wedding bouquet up on a honeymoon trip to Jamaica.